If your appliance breaks down, start by having it assessed if repair seems possible. The diagnosis, its overall condition and how long repairs will take can help you decide. A refurbished appliance may suit you if you’re happy to buy one that has been used before and its condition is clearly described. Consider buying new if you also need a different capacity or features that better suit how you use it. None of these options is right for every breakdown or household.
You want to get your appliance working again without replacing it straight away, and can wait for a repairer’s assessment. Their diagnosis will help you weigh up the fault against the appliance’s overall condition and the time repairs will take.
You’re happy to consider a second-hand or refurbished product, provided you know the condition and specifications of the item on offer. If you’re buying from a professional seller, also check who is selling the appliance and what services come with your order.
Your broken appliance may no longer meet your needs for capacity, noise levels or energy use. ADEME recommends comparing models suited to your household’s needs using their product information, including the energy label where applicable.
First, assess the appliance’s condition and whether it can be repaired. Then compare the alternatives against how quickly you need to use it again. If you’re replacing it, compare the features of models suited to your household rather than looking only at the appliance type.
Consider this: if the appliance can be assessed and you’d like to keep it.
Bear in mind: your decision will depend on the diagnosis, the appliance’s overall condition and how long repairs will take.
Consider this: if a used appliance meets your needs and its condition is clearly described.
Bear in mind: check the item and any associated services for each individual offer.
Consider this: if you need to replace the appliance and want features that suit how you use it now.
Bear in mind: new doesn’t automatically mean better suited to your needs. You’ll still need to compare dimensions, capacity and other practical considerations.
| What matters to you | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Assessing a repair | Ask a professional for a diagnosis and weigh the proposed repair against the appliance’s overall condition and how long it will be out of action. Separately, check the conditions for the Repair Bonus with a QualiRépar-certified repairer. | If my appliance can still be used, I’d rather find out whether it can be repaired before replacing it. Around 31% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Getting back up and running quickly | Work out how long you can wait, then check the dimensions, connections, and delivery and installation arrangements for the appliance you’re considering. | When I can’t wait for an uncertain repair, my main priority is finding an appliance I can use when I need it. Around 25% of consumers would share this priority. |
| Choosing a used appliance | Check the condition of the item, the functions listed, any accessories and the seller’s identity. Distinguish between a second-hand appliance and one described as refurbished. | I’m happy to buy a used appliance if I can clearly see what I’ll receive. Around 19% of consumers would make this their main concern. |
| Choosing an appliance to suit your needs | Compare the capacity, energy use and noise levels of models suited to how you’ll use them. Check the durability or repairability index where applicable to that category. | If I replace my appliance, I want it to suit my household’s current needs better and be able to assess how repairable it is. Around 25% of consumers would make this their priority. |
The scheme doesn’t cover every repair. According to the conditions published by ecosystem, it applies in particular to certain household appliances that are out of warranty and repaired by a certified professional. Cosmetic damage or damage caused by improper use may be excluded.
Before the repair, ask the repairer whether your appliance and the fault they’ve identified meet the scheme’s conditions.
The DGCCRF distinguishes a refurbished product, whose functions have been tested and which has been restored if necessary, from an appliance simply resold second-hand. The term doesn’t mean you can skip reading the description of the item on offer.
Check the stated functional and cosmetic condition, accessories, seller’s identity and delivery arrangements.
An appliance in the same category may have different capacity, dimensions or installation requirements. The energy label helps you compare certain features of the models it covers, but it won’t tell you by itself whether an appliance is right for your household.
Work out the capacity you need and any space or installation requirements before comparing models. For a washing machine or television, also check the applicable durability index.
These washing machines may be worth considering if your broken appliance is a washing machine; the two handheld vacuums are better suited to occasional cleaning. Before choosing one of these models, check that it meets your needs, along with the condition of the item on offer and the delivery arrangements. Featuring them here doesn’t determine whether your current appliance can be repaired.
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Worth considering as a replacement if a 6 kg capacity and top-loading design suit your household.
The product listing specifies a 1,400 rpm spin speed, B energy rating, Wi-Fi connectivity and 17 programmes. Compare the specifications shown for the item on offer and check the installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a washing machine and want a top-loading model with a 7 kg capacity.
The product listing specifies 1,200 rpm, an A energy rating, a steam function, an Inverter motor and Wi-Fi. In particular, check that it will fit in the space available and review the stated noise level for the item on offer.
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Worth considering as a replacement if your household’s laundry needs call for a 10 kg capacity and front-loading design.
The product listing specifies Steam Anti-Allergy and TimeSave functions, as well as an Inverter motor. Check that the capacity and dimensions really suit how you’ll use it and the space available.
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Worth considering if your old appliance was used for quick clean-ups at home or in the car, rather than cleaning your whole home.
The product listing specifies a 500 ml dust container, two power settings, a HEPA filter, a charging dock and two-in-one attachments. Check the suction specifications for the version on offer before deciding whether it suits your needs.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a handheld vacuum designed for use in the car or for small cleaning jobs around the home.
The product name mentions a removable dust cup. Before choosing it, check that its run time, capacity and suction specifications meet your needs.
No. A breakdown alone doesn’t mean the whole appliance needs replacing. A repairer can assess the fault; you can then weigh up the possible repair against the appliance’s overall condition and how long your household can manage without it.
The Repair Bonus may apply to certain household appliances and repairs carried out by a QualiRépar-certified repairer. According to the conditions published by economie.gouv.fr and ecosystem, the appliance must be out of warranty and the fault must be eligible, among other requirements. Check whether your particular case qualifies before the repair.
According to the DGCCRF, a refurbished appliance is a second-hand item whose functions have been fully tested and which has been restored if necessary. Even so, check that the description relates to the item being sold, including its condition and accessories.
Start with the dimensions and capacity that suit how you’ll use it, then compare the energy label information for the categories covered. For washing machines and televisions, the durability index provides an additional guide to repairability and reliability; it doesn’t replace checking the model’s specifications.
If it’s still usable, you could donate or sell it, as long as you describe its condition and any faults honestly. Otherwise, ADEME offers guidance on finding a suitable repair or recycling option for your appliance. Don’t offer an appliance for reuse if it could pose a safety risk.